Diageo and Chivas may resolve ‘Tribute’ dispute

A trademark dispute between Chivas Brothers and Diageo’s United Spirits may soon be resolved as the two groups reportedly consider ending all litigation.

Chivas Brothers may be considering ending its dispute with United Spirits over the Tribute trademark, used in its Royal Salute a Tribute to Honour expression

According to The Financial Express, French drinks group Chivas Brothers, the whisky and gin arm of Pernod Ricard, and United Spirits, the Diageo-controlled Indian spirits firm, are considering a settlement over the “Tribute” trademark.

The French group argued that United Spirits’ registered “Tribute” trademark, meant for a whisky brand, impinged on its Royal Salute trademark, which includes the extensions Royal Salute Tribute to Honour, and Royal Salute Diamond Tribute.

Chivas Brothers reportedly filed a rectification petition against United Spirits’ trademark so that it could sell the variants in India.

The group argued that while United Spirits has registered the trademark for several years, it has not been put to use and so should be removed from the registry.

However, The Financial Express now reports that India’s Intellectual Property Appellate Board (IPAB) has suggested the two groups reach an amicable settlement to their litigation.

Both parties will now consult over the recommendations and decide on a settlement by 5 March.

Chivas Brothers said that is does not comment on on-going legal proceedings, while United Spirits has not yet responded to The Spirits Business‘ requests for comment.